Quitting smoking — It takes hard work, commitment, accountability, and willpower. The Centers for Disease Control offers a wealth of knowledge on quitting, including tips, strategies, and maintenance. They also provide a practical 5 step plan to stop:
- Get Ready: Set your date to quit.
- Lean On Your Support System: Utilize your friends, family, and health professionals to help you along.
- Create Distractions: When urges to smoke arise, shift your focus to something else (exercise, hobby, etc.).
- Medicate As Necessary: Speak with your doctor about the benefits of using prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- Prepare For Setbacks: Recognize they happen, own it, work to overcome slip-ups, and keep going.
It's not a matter of how long it takes for smoking to affect your teeth and oral health — but just a matter of when. And while smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death and disease in the US, the journey to quit smoking is a grueling one. Remember that with most oral care concerns, your dental professionals are there to help. With regular visits, your dental team can help create a program to start the quitting process while playing a vital role in the support system you'll need. Sure, regular brushing and flossing can help your smile. The rest of your oral health is in your hands. That starts with taking the cigarette out of your hands and choosing health.